Love the dress, but not the length? No problem! Learn how to make a dress longer with this simple trick that looks intentional (and stylish).
We've all been there—you find the perfect dress, only to realize it's too short for comfort.
Instead of letting it gather dust in your closet, why not fix it?
This easy, stylish solution lets you make that dress or skirt a little longer.
Skill Level: Beginner
Total Time: 1 hour
The Dress
I needed a formal dress for a work event and found this black dress on clearance for $15. I couldn't pass that up!
It is a simple black sleeveless dress that fits above the knee with a thick, ruffled bust.
The only issue is that it was a little too short for me to be comfortable.
I am self-conscious about my knees and hoped the dress was an inch or two longer.
Supply List
Some links may be to similar items when the exact items can't be found online.
- 3" Ruffle Trim
- Sewing Kit (pins, sewing needle, thread, and thimble)
The dress I am adding length to is black, so my trim and thread are black.
If your dress is a different color, your trim and thread should coordinate.
Pin the Trim
The easiest way to sew the trim is to first pin it in place along the bottom of the dress.
My skirt has a slit, so that is the easiest place to start the trim. Fold the trim slightly over at the ends and pin it into place.
If the skirt doesn't have a slit, begin the trim at an off-center point between the back and side, then pin all the way around. Slightly overlapping the ends.
If you pin it before you sew, you can try it on and make sure you like the placement.
Hand Sew
For this small project, I find it easiest to attach the trim by hand. I don't pull out my sewing machine at all.
By hand stitching, I can ensure that my stitches aren't seen because I am stitching to the inside hem.
Run straight stitches through the top of the trim and through the back fold of the hemline, going all the way around the base of the skirt.
My stitches aren't perfectly consistent, but I'm okay with that since they can't be seen on the outside of the garment.
Final Thoughts
I told a couple of people about the extra length, and they all said they never would have guessed.
It looked like it should have been bought that way, and that is precisely what I was going for.
I got this fun picture of my team, and you can see my dress. My absolute favorite part of my outfit was my hot pink heels. I love them!
More Ways to Add Length to a Skirt
Does the above method not work for you? That's okay. Here are a few more ways to add length to a shirt skirt.
- Sew a band of fabric instead of trim
- Add a lace slip
Ways to feel more comfortable wearing a short skirt:
- Wear biker shorts underneath
- Skip the heals and opt for flats instead
Andi
What a great idea! I pretty frequently find dresses that are just a bit too short, so this is a good way to make them wearable!
Grammy Goodwill
Imagine being able to buy that fabric already ruffled. It was meant to be. You look great, and I love those heels, too.
Debra Kapellakis
You look great and those heels are pretty.
Debi Bolocofsky
This is a really cute idea. Have a great Day.Debi BolocofskyAdorned From Above
Libby
What a fantastic idea. Most of the time the dresses I find are too long or too short. The too long can be fixed with a chop and a hem, but now you've given me some ideas for the too short. Great idea and I hope your son is better now.* Stopping by from Sweet Sharing Monday.
Laura Cyra
Very crafty!! You're brave trying that out I would of never thought of that. Laura stopping by from Real Momma and the Best of Your Best Blog Hop!
Kelley @ Miss Information
I love it, thanks so much for linking up at the the Best of Your Best Blog hop at Miss Information!
Shiloh
That ruffle is a great idea. I've done lace and ribbons before, but a ruffle is terrific!
Erin
Nice !! love it!!
Nicole@Show Off Friday
That's brilliant and it makes the skirt look even more classy!
Jessi @ Practically Functional
That little ruffle looks great! Super smart idea, and you did a fabulous job stitching it 🙂 Stopping by from Winthrop Chronicles!
Mercy
Looks great! I'll have to try that!
Just Jaime
Smart!! I have a few skirts that could use this!
Sara @ My Merry Messy Life
Great job! Good pictures so that someone could actually follow your instructions. Thanks for linking up at Hookin On Hump Day!
Serena
I've often thought of doing this to short dresses but just have never had time. I think you've just motivated me to do it 🙂 Great job!
Serena Thrift Diving
Shannon
Looks great! I love crafty inventions! And to find trim that's already finished - total bonus!
AmieAnn
This is adorable.. what a great way to dress up and lengthen your skirt! Thanks so much for sharing with the Pink Hippo Party!
xoxo
Amie @ Pinkapotamus
Kathryn Ferguson Griffin
Well, look at how cute you look! Great job!! Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see you again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Megan/Brassy Apple
FABuLOUS!!! thanks for linking up to Ispy Refashion! I'll be sharing your link on my FB page!
Bethany
Great idea! Turned out so cute!
Karen at Bargain-ista.com
I had no idea you could buy ready-made ruffles! This post just may change my life 🙂 Darling dress, you look great!
dedivahdeals.com
Great idea - thanks for sharing.
Amy
A great idea, and really simple. Thanks.
Brittnei Washington
Adorable! You made that look so easy! I will definitely have to follow you to get more tips for later. I really want to get into sewing more. I'm so ambitious about it but everything else seems to be taking up my time. Thank you for linking up with the Mommy Monday Hop. I'm following you now on everything!! <3
Michele Reynolds
Hope your son is doing better too:)
Michele Reynolds
Your adorable and your ruffles are super cute! Pinned:) I posted DIY Doily Jacket this week:)
SleKelevra
The hardest thing is figuring out what underwear to wear with formal outfits. How do so many women pick underwear that stays invisible and still feels comfortable? It’s such a mystery to me.